[Wittenberg,] June 16, 1531 The following letter shows Luther as a concerned pastor and as a responsible member of the community.
Luther informs the Elector of the scandalous behavior of John Metzsch, the Electoral captain in Wittenberg, who, notwithstanding brotherly admonition and privately enacted excommunication, continues to patronize prostitutes, and whom Luther plans to censure in public. Luther further brings to the Elector's attention the fact that portions of the Wittenberg city wall were torn down but not replaced, that this situation endangers the city, and that, in Luther's view, Metzsch is not fulfilling his responsibilities in connection with this matter. Luther warns the Elector that Metzsch's conduct may well cause some serious disturbances among the people.
On Elector John, see LW 48, 269, n. 8.
Text in German: WA, Br 6, 122–124.
To my Most Gracious Lord, Duke John, elector in Saxony: Personal to His Electoral Grace Grace and peace in Christ! Most Illustrious, Noble Sovereign, Most Gracious Lord! It is not for me to be concerned with the affairs of secular government, or to disparage Your Electoral Grace's officials, nor shall I. Since the general talk is so loud and widespread, however, and since I am of the opinion that Your
Electoral Grace expects faithful and loving service of me—which, of course, I am abundantly obligated to perform—and since, should something later go wrong, I would not want to be blamed for having been silent to the disadvantage of Your Electoral Grace, [I am writing this letter].
Our captain,1 Hans Metzsch,2 has time and again been admonished by me, kindly but seriously, to stay away from harlotry and dealings with prostitutes. After a while it was impossible for me, as a preacher, to tolerate such scandalous behavior or to be silent about it. But he continues, and does it so openly that everyone's mouth and nose, ears and eyes are full of it. He also admitted to me in private that he could not be without women. Thereupon I informed him of my refusal to associate with him personally, and privately3 I forbade him to come to the sacrament. Since he is so closely knit to the braids of prostitutes that he shows little fear of God with his conduct, and since from now on I will have to proceed against him also by means of public preaching and judgment, I ask with this letter for Your Electoral Grace's benevolent attitude [toward me]. Should Your Electoral Grace find out that I clash with Metzsch on this issue, then Your Electoral Grace may graciously remember this information I have given. For this scandal will be an obstacle to the preaching of the gospel,4 and will give to others also occasion to do evil.
Metzsch may be a good soldier, but I would not want him to defend me in an emergency since he does not have before his eyes God who has thus far miraculously protected us without striking a blow, and daily still preserves us.
Second, with this letter I also want to demonstrate my faithfulness toward Your Electoral Grace. I also talked in a friendly way with Metzsch—and others—concerning the razing of the city wall.5 But since I am told I am a man of the pen and do not understand such a matter, I leave it alone. Nevertheless, if things turn out differently than these contractors think, no one should be in a position to say that I have not warned Your Electoral Grace of this danger. For I know very well how concerned one has been until now with the gates of the city, so that the city would be properly locked. But now the city stands open day and night because [of a break in the wall] of more than one hundred paces, so that pigs and all kinds of animals6 run into [town]; it is possible to see, walk, and shoot without any obstacle from the fields into the town square, and from the town square into the fields, because the wall is torn down to the foundation and nothing new has been built, or even surveyed, to replace it. If this is in good order, then it is fine with me, and Your Electoral Grace will accept this information of mine in a gracious attitude, and consider this matter further. My head is full of worry because there are many children7 of important and good people here, and times are very dangerous. God might allow something to happen which we would have to deplore belatedly and in vain. Metzsch is headstrong,8 and creates stout opposition toward himself.
Therefore it is necessary for Your Electoral Grace to look into this situation, so that no dissatisfaction arises. For good people are patient, but too heavy a weight tears the bag, and a spark could easily start to glow among the impatient people who might get tired of Metzsch's stubbornness, cursing, and tyranny.